"Quantum Communication: From Unconditionally Secure Cryptography to the Quantum Internet"

Abstract:
The field of quantum communication has seen significant advances over the past two decades. Quantum cryptography has moved from primitive proof-of-concept demonstrations to commercially available systems. Simultaneously, new ideas in quantum networking are opening up the potential for a quantum internet composed of nodes that transmit and process quantum information over long distances.

Such a quantum network would possess networking capabilities that cannot be reproduced by classical networks. Quantum networking is a rapidly evolving field that will require both advances in technology and new theoretical ideas and network protocols.

In this talk, I will give an overview of quantum communication and its various applications in the field of secure communication. I will also present our recent work on implementing quantum communication systems using semiconductor nanophotonic devices, and conclude by describing our efforts to develop practical quantum networks.

Bio:
Edo Waks is a professor in the UMD Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. He is also a member of the Joint Quantum Institute (JQI), a collaborative effort between UMD and NIST.

Waks's work focuses on coherent control and manipulation semiconductor quantum dots, and their interactions with photonic crystal devices for creating strong atom-photon interactions.

He is a recipient of a Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), a National Science Foundation CAREER award, and an Army Research Office Young Investigator Award.

Waks received his B.S. and M.S. from Johns Hopkins University, and his doctorate from Stanford University.